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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Colorado · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you're reading this, you or someone you love may be facing some hard questions about getting older on a limited income. Maybe the money for assisted living just isn't there, or maybe you're worried about paying for the care and help you need at home. Take a breath. You are in the right place, and you are not alone.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-844-265-2372This is your one-call starting line (also reachable at 1-844-COL-ADRC). The ADRC connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging and helps you sort through in-home care, benefits, housing, and more — all for free.
Colorado has a wide network of free programs built to help older adults with low incomes stay healthy, safe, and cared for. The trouble is that these programs are scattered across different agencies, and it can feel like a maze. This page pulls the most important ones together in plain language.
Everything listed here is free to look into. The phone numbers below connect you to people whose job is to help you, not to sell you anything. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Just start with one number and let them guide you to the next step.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather get care at home than move into a facility, and Health First Colorado can help make that possible. Colorado offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers — the main one for older adults is the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) waiver. These waivers can pay for personal care, homemaker help, adult day programs, home modifications, and more. Some waivers can also help cover services in an assisted living residence (called an Alternative Care Facility).
Call to start the conversation about what long-term care and HCBS waivers you may qualify for.
Call to start the conversation about what long-term care and HCBS waivers you may qualify for.
Health First Colorado is the state's Medicaid program. For seniors, it can cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health care, and — importantly — long-term care, whether that's in a nursing facility or through services delivered in your own home.
A note on eligibility: Health First Colorado is for people with limited income and resources. Income and asset limits change every year, and long-term care has its own special rules. Please don't assume you earn too much or own too much to qualify — many people are surprised. The only way to know for sure is to ask. Call and let them check for your exact situation.
Apply online (Colorado PEAK)
Apply for Health First Colorado online through Colorado PEAK (or search "Colorado PEAK").
Call to apply for Health First Colorado or get help with an existing case.
Your county human services office can help you apply — the ADRC (1-844-265-2372) can point you to the nearest one.
PACE wraps all your medical care, prescriptions, and support services into one program so you can keep living at home instead of moving to a nursing home. Colorado has an active PACE presence — InnovAge operates PACE centers in the Denver metro area, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Northern Colorado, and other providers serve additional regions.
Call to check availability, or search npaonline.org/find-a-pace-program to see PACE providers near you.
If you're on Medicare
If money is tight, two programs can put real dollars back in your pocket:
Apply through Colorado PEAK or by calling the Health First Colorado line.
Colorado SHIP can help you apply.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through Colorado's Division of Insurance (DORA), gives free, confidential Medicare counseling. Trained counselors can help you compare plans, understand your bills, sign up for programs that lower your costs, and spot fraud. They do not sell insurance and have nothing to gain from your choices.
Reach a SHIP counselor through Colorado's Division of Insurance — look for "Senior Health Care & Medicare" on the site.
Everyday essentials
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Helps pay for groceries. Apply online through Colorado PEAK, or contact your county human services office.
Can help you apply for SNAP and find nearby food pantries, in many languages.
Coordinated through your Area Agency on Aging — call the ADRC to find meals near you.
If you need affordable senior housing, help with rent, or assistance paying utility bills, start with:
Dial 211 for housing, rent, and utility help in your area.
Can connect you to local housing programs and energy assistance (LEAP).
Guidance & protection
Every part of Colorado is served by an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your AAA is a local hub for senior services — meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and help finding in-home care.
One call connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging.
The national service that also connects anyone to their local Area Agency on Aging.
Free civil legal aid for people who meet income guidelines, and for anyone age 60 or older.
If you can't reach them, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can point you to local legal aid.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living residence and something isn't right, the Ombudsman is a free advocate who works on the resident's behalf.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living residences.
National fallback: The Consumer Voice
A national ombudsman resource if you need an alternate contact.
Dial 211 for help with almost any need: food, housing, utilities, transportation, and more.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call the ADRC at 1-844-265-2372. Tell them what's going on. They'll help you figure out what you might qualify for and connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging.
Call for free1-844-265-2372It's the name of Colorado's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage — including long-term care — to people with limited income and resources.
Generally, no. Medicare covers short-term skilled care but not ongoing long-term care. Health First Colorado, through its HCBS waivers, is what helps pay for in-home care and some assisted living services.
Very possibly. Income and asset limits change yearly and are more generous than many people expect, especially for long-term care. Don't rule yourself out — call 1-800-221-3943 and let them check.
Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs through Health First Colorado (1-800-221-3943) and Extra Help through Social Security (1-800-772-1213). QMB alone can save you about $185 a month on your Part B premium.
Yes, that's exactly what Colorado's HCBS waivers and PACE are designed to do. Call the ADRC at 1-844-265-2372 to explore your options.
Yes. The ADRC (1-844-265-2372), Colorado SHIP (1-888-696-7213), and 211 all offer free guidance. You never have to pay to get pointed in the right direction.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness — and Colorado has caring people ready to walk beside you. Make that first call today; the rest gets easier from there.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.